Olson, R.j.

March 17, 2006

R.J. "Oley" Olson, passed away the morning of March 13 at St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana, TX. Oley was born in Boring, OR, Nov. 8, 1921. The love of his life, Mazie, his wife of 62 years passed away Feb. 2003. One of Oley's favorite sayings was "work is the luxury of life" and it showed first in his service record as an Army officer during WWII, a leader in the Lumber Industry as Executive Vice President of Edward Hines Lumber of Chicago, IL, his own business, Santa Fe Lumber and Millwork in Santa Fe, NM and most recently as co-founder of Turkey Creek Company raising water buffalo in Texarkana, AR. Oley attacked life with cunning, cleverness, charisma and his unique style of gentleness. Oley had the ability to make people believe in themselves and those who had the good fortune of knowing him were enriched. Oley's insatiable curiosity led to worldwide travels where he never met a stranger. Oley is survived by his and Mazie's eight children, Michelle, Paulette, Joe, Christina, Pat, John, Jim and Tom; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and his sister Lorraine Cushman of Portland, OR. Mass will be celebrated at St. Edwards Catholic Church of Texarkana, AR on Saturday, March 18, at 10 a.m. East Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.